[slab]

"A trip into the dark side of the Manchester music scene that can't be matched this year" - Louder Than War

[ s l a b ] are Lianne (drums) Paul (bass/vocals) and Tom (guitar/vocals). Formed in Manchester in 2019, their debut album Taut was self-released in March 2025 and immediately received Album of the Week in John Robb's music website, Louder Than War, giving it 5 stars and later went on to be number 8 in their top 100 albums of 2025. The trio's cinematic, emotive dynamics and melodic hooks have seen them categorised as post-rock, shoegaze and indie but in fact, the sound of [ s l a b ] is entirely and uniquely a product of the band's chemistry.

Therapy? frontman Andy Cairns picked Taut as one of his albums of the 2026, stating it is "a near perfect a collection of tracks as can be and very, very highly recommended" and much beloved music website, Sun13 said the album is "one of those moments that makes you realise why new music conquers all".

The band have built a dedicated following through support slots with the likes House of All, Billy Mahonie, JAAW, Hey Colossus and Smote. Guy Garvey has called the band one of his "favourite power trios" after playing debut EP Ready For the Light on his BBC 6 Music show and Andy Cairns (Therapy?) claimed the track is "a masterpiece."

Here’s what other people say:
“ready for the light is layered, hypnotic and attention sequestering…….. [slab] are a band to watch
figuratively and literally” (Ear Nutrition)

“ready for the light motors into action….bursting its banks and delivering a thrilling widescreen post
rock explosion” (ManchesterMusic.co.uk)

“an extraordinary piece of music” (Guy Garvey BBC 6 Music)

“fierce and enthralling” (Music is my Radar)